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Another typically raucous and roaring evening at the Rhine Tavern. The music is deafening, fireplace stoked, and there is no shortage of drink or food. Officers in their finest dress uniforms regale each other with "There I was . . ." stories, or profess their undying love to the woman they happen to be spending that evening with. Sounds of dancing, shouts, laughter, and furniture and glass breaking escape the Tavern, as the door opens to admit yet another patron.
The lone intruder goes largely unnoticed by the crowd; those that see the ragged figure find nothing to catch their attention or interest, and redirect their attention to the frivolity. This most recent patron reaches the bar and catches the barkeep's attention long enough to arrange for a room upstairs, and a bottle. A chilblained hand emerges from a tattered coat pocket with gold coins, which to the surprise of the barkeep are more than enough for a fortnight's stay, and all the food and drink he should require.
Wearily ascending the staircase, the figure, in a filthy and tattered hooded greatcoat, ragged boots and bicorn, reaches his room. Tears fill his eyes as he realizes his journey is done; he has returned home, and will soon see his comrades in arms. Unshouldering a large backpack, he proceeds to peel off the filthy rags, and opening the window, sees a trash fire which he is able to pitch his rags into. They are rapidly consumed in the fire.
Next step is a huge footed tub, fully filled with the hot bath the bath girl has arranged. How long has it been? Scrubbing and scrubbing; towel off, robe on, then a shave and haircut from the bath girl. A second hot bath is drawn! and, bottle in hand, is relaxed in.
Scrubbed, washed, dried, shaven and shorn, the young man dons the dress uniform of a French Colonel of Dragoons. He descends the staircase and to his surprise, sees a multitude of familiar faces! At once he rejoins his friends; time now to catch up on lost time and ready for new campaigns!</i>
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Hello Friends! Colonel Judson Titchen of La Grande Armee here - I was an active NWC'er in the 2002-2003 time frame. Anyway, I drifted out of touch, think it might be I burned out a little combined with other life stuff going on at that time, and trying other games (being a serious computer gamer) that were not in the Napoleonic genre, that filled my available game time.
Suffice to say, I lost touch, and a few years went by (can't believe it's been like 7 years!). Recently, deploring the mostly execrable current PC "game" offerings on the market, I was surfing online and game shopping when I found that Matrix had made the old Talonsoft trio Vista-friendly. I immediately downloaded them.

And, remembering the blast I'd had with the NWC, I googled a little bit and found the club website. And, am pleased to see that things are going strong!
I see a large number of familiar names! Very surprised after so long. Ready to reconnect with the club and update on the newer games being played. Thank you for reaccepting me - I look forward to lots more fun! Greetings to all, and we'll see you on the fields of friendly strife.
Vive la guerre!
Vive la France!
Vive L'Empereur!
-<i>Colonel</i> Judson Titchen, 9eme Regiment de Dragons, 3rd Dragoon Division, Cavalry Reserve
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